Investing Updates: What to Expect in the Week Ahead (FOMC Rate Decision, Earnings from TSLA, META, MSFT, and AAPL)

Source:

https://www.moomoo.com/news/post/64513754/what-to-expect-in-the-week-ahead-fomc-rate-decision?futusource=news_hotnews_list&client_hour_clock=24&main_broker=WwoJMTAwOApdCg==&my_cid=103096561&sg_cid=103096561&skintype=3&us_cid=103096561&level=2&global_content=%7B%22promote_content%22:%22mm:post:64513754%22,%22invite%22:103096561%7D&data_ticket=1768783511139881&utm_medium=futu_niuniu_share&utm_content=web_share&utm_campaign=news&utm_term=64513754

ChatGPT:

The coming week shapes up as a critical “policy plus profits” test for markets, with the Federal Reserve’s rate decision and heavyweight tech earnings likely to drive volatility. While no rate change is expected, Wednesday’s FOMC meeting will be closely watched for Chair Jerome Powell’s tone—specifically whether the Fed leans toward “higher for longer” or keeps the door open to future cuts. The balance between inflation progress and signs of growth or labour softening will guide market expectations.

On the earnings front, mega-cap technology takes centre stage. Tesla, Microsoft and Meta report on Wednesday, followed by Apple on Thursday. Together, their guidance on AI capital expenditure, cloud demand, advertising trends and consumer resilience could have index-level implications. Strong confirmation of sustained AI investment and disciplined spending would support risk sentiment, while cautious outlooks could pressure valuations.

Early-week data includes US Durable Goods Orders on Monday, offering insight into business investment and manufacturing momentum, and Conference Board Consumer Confidence on Tuesday, a key indicator linking sentiment to retail demand and services inflation. Boeing’s earnings on Tuesday will also act as a bellwether for industrial recovery and supply-chain normalization.

Wednesday’s earnings spotlight includes Microsoft, where investors will focus on AI monetisation and cloud growth quality; Meta, with attention on ad demand versus AI-driven margin pressure; and Tesla, where guidance on autonomy, Robotaxi ambitions and margin stability may outweigh quarterly delivery details.

On Thursday, Initial Jobless Claims will provide a timely read on labour market conditions, followed by Apple’s earnings, with focus on iPhone demand, Services growth, cost pressures and AI strategy. Friday closes with SoFi’s results, which could influence sentiment across fintech and consumer lending stocks.

Overall, markets will weigh whether resilient earnings and flexible Fed messaging can offset macro uncertainty—or whether caution from either side triggers renewed volatility.

Investing Updates: Bitcoin doesn’t have 20 years because the quantum threat is already here

Source:

https://cointelegraph.com/news/bitcoin-20-quantum-threat

ChatGPT:

The opinion piece argues that Bitcoin does not have decades to prepare for quantum computing threats, contrary to claims by some advocates who suggest a 20–40 year safety window. The author contends that the quantum threat is already material and accelerating, driven by rapid advances in hardware, governance constraints, and market exposure.

Recent developments underscore the urgency. IBM has announced major breakthroughs in quantum chip design and error correction, aiming for quantum advantage as early as 2026 and early fault-tolerant systems by 2029. Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin has similarly warned that elliptic-curve cryptography could be broken sooner than expected, possibly before 2028, and has urged a near-term shift to quantum-resistant cryptography. These views challenge the assumption that Bitcoin can afford to wait.

The risk is not theoretical. Deloitte estimates that around 4 million BTC—roughly 25% of usable supply—reside in addresses with exposed public keys vulnerable to quantum attacks. A sufficiently powerful quantum computer could use Shor’s algorithm to derive private keys, allowing attackers to drain long-dormant wallets instantly. This vulnerability affects most blockchains, including Ethereum, but Bitcoin’s slow upgrade culture amplifies the danger.

The argument that Bitcoin can “upgrade later” is also criticized as unrealistic. Researchers suggest migrating Bitcoin to post-quantum cryptography could require prolonged downtime or reduced network capacity, an unacceptable risk for a trillion-dollar asset. Governance resistance, ideological divisions and the risk of chain splits further complicate any forced transition.

Meanwhile, governments are already acting. The EU has set a coordinated roadmap requiring post-quantum migration to begin by 2026 and largely complete by 2035. A delayed or chaotic crypto transition could trigger severe market disruption, from mass coin movements to mining centralization. The author concludes that proactive preparation is far less costly than waiting for a quantum-driven crisis.

Investing Updates: Singapore stocks track global rally; STI up 1.3% after hitting new high

Source:

https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/companies-markets/singapore-stocks-track-global-rally-sti-1-3-after-hitting-new-high

ChatGPT:

Singapore stocks closed firmly higher on Friday (Jan 23), tracking a broad global rally and pushing the benchmark Straits Times Index (STI) to a fresh all-time high. The STI touched an intraday record of 4,895.15 before ending the session up 1.3 per cent, or 63.13 points, at 4,891.45. The iEdge Singapore Next 50 Index also advanced, rising 0.3 per cent to 1,487.74.

Market breadth was positive, with gainers outnumbering losers by 345 to 213 across the broader market. Trading activity was robust, with around 1.3 billion securities changing hands for a total value of approximately S$2 billion.

The rally was led by Singapore’s banking heavyweights, which reached new highs. UOB emerged as the top performer on the STI, surging 5 per cent, or S$1.88, to close at S$39.50. OCBC also delivered strong gains, climbing 3.4 per cent, or S$0.70, to end at S$21.29. DBS added to the positive momentum, rising nearly 1 per cent to finish at S$58.65. In contrast, Yangzijiang Shipbuilding was the weakest blue-chip stock, slipping 1.2 per cent to close at S$3.34.

Regional equity markets also posted gains, reinforcing the upbeat sentiment. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index rose 0.4 per cent, Japan’s Nikkei 225 added 0.3 per cent, South Korea’s Kospi Composite advanced 0.8 per cent, and Malaysia’s FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI increased 0.2 per cent.

Commenting on market conditions, Stephen Innes, managing partner at SPI Asset Management, noted that investors are increasingly filtering out political noise from Washington. He said markets are warming to an environment of modest synchronised growth, contained inflation and a more accommodative US Federal Reserve, even as concerns around fiscal discipline and central bank independence remain in focus.

Investing Updates: Trust Bank launches retail trading platform for US stocks and ETFs, offering in-app fractional investing

Source:

https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/companies-markets/trust-bank-launches-retail-trading-platform-us-stocks-and-etfs-offering-app-fractional-investing

ChatGPT:

Trust Bank has launched its in-app retail trading platform, TrustInvest, marking its entry into Singapore’s highly competitive retail investment market. Developed in partnership with Saxo Singapore, the platform allows customers to trade more than 7,000 US-listed stocks and exchange-traded funds (ETFs). The service was first announced in October 2025 and began admitting users from a waitlist in November.

Since then, about 10,000 customers have opened trading accounts. According to the bank, adoption has been broad-based rather than concentrated in a specific demographic, with both new and experienced investors using the platform. Notably, 45 per cent of customers who have traded so far have made use of fractional investing.

Fractional trading, which Trust Bank says is a first for a banking app in Singapore, allows investors to buy portions of a single share with a minimum investment of US$10. This lowers the barrier to entry for high-priced US stocks such as Tesla or Meta, which trade at several hundred US dollars per share.

Trust Bank said it will not charge platform, custody or settlement fees. Commission fees for all trades are waived until Jun 30, 2026. After that, trades will be charged a commission of 0.05 per cent, subject to a minimum fee of US$2.99 per trade.

Chief executive officer Dwaipayan Sadhu said the zero-fee approach is intended to help the bank build a more holistic banking relationship, with investing complementing its existing savings and lending products. Trust Bank believes its value proposition lies in combining the regulatory trust and security of a bank with the low fees and user-friendly experience typically associated with fintech platforms.

The platform currently focuses on US markets, reflecting strong local investor interest in US assets. Trust Bank plans to expand its offerings to include Singapore equities in future, although no timeline has been provided.

Investing Updates: About half of Singapore fund managers expect STI to rise 5-10% in 2026, potentially hitting fresh records

Source:

https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/companies-markets/about-half-singapore-fund-managers-expect-sti-rise-5-10-2026-potentially-hitting-fresh-records

ChatGPT:

About half of Singapore-based fund managers remain optimistic on local equities in 2026, with 52 per cent of respondents in an Investment Management Association of Singapore (Imas) survey expecting the Straits Times Index (STI) to rise by 5 to 10 per cent by year-end. Based on the STI’s level of around 4,500 when the survey was conducted, this implies a potential climb to between 4,800 and 5,020, which could see the benchmark reach fresh record highs. Nearly 90 per cent of respondents expect the STI to either strengthen or remain stable in 2026.
The positive outlook is supported by resilient bank earnings, attractive dividend yields and government initiatives aimed at revitalising Singapore’s equity market. The STI had already delivered strong gains of 22.7 per cent in 2025 and touched an all-time high earlier in January 2026.

Singapore’s prospects are part of a broader bullish stance on Asian equities. In the survey, Japan and China were rated the top potential outperformers for 2026, while Singapore ranked joint third with Taiwan. Regionally, 72 per cent of fund managers expect the MSCI Asia ex-Japan Index to rise by 10 to 20 per cent.
The Imas survey, now in its 11th year, gathered views from C-suite professionals across 63 member firms overseeing more than US$35 trillion in global assets. Respondents identified three major forces shaping the industry over the next year: increased adoption of artificial intelligence (AI), the continued rise of alternative investments, and growing regulatory and operational costs.
AI emerged as a newly prominent theme, with more than half of managers already using it in core investment functions such as research and fund commentary. At the same time, regulatory scrutiny and compliance costs are rising, while margin pressure from passive investment strategies remains a key concern. On the macro front, most respondents expect monetary easing in 2026, with many anticipating significant US Federal Reserve rate cuts, even as worries grow over the sustainability of recent market performance and central bank independence.

Investing Updates: Singapore a ‘safe harbour’ amid global volatility with Singdollar set to gain: Julius Baer

Source:

https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/companies-markets/singapore-safe-harbour-amid-global-volatility-singdollar-set-gain-julius-baer

ChatGPT:

Julius Baer’s 2026 market outlook positions Singapore as a “safe harbour” amid heightened global volatility, with expectations that the Singapore dollar and local equities will perform well. The Swiss private bank forecasts the Singdollar to appreciate and projects Singapore corporate earnings growth of about 8 per cent in 2026. Combined with Straits Times Index dividend yields of around 5 per cent, this could translate into total returns of roughly 10 per cent in Singapore dollar terms.

The bank highlighted South-east Asia as an area of opportunity, particularly Vietnam, which is benefiting from the “China plus one” manufacturing strategy and ongoing infrastructure development. Julius Baer said its positive outlook is largely unchanged despite uncertainty stemming from renewed tariff threats by the Trump administration, noting that markets have so far shown limited reaction. While geopolitical developments may increase short-term volatility, they are not expected to derail longer-term market trajectories.

Julius Baer urged investors to move away from a traditional buy-and-hold strategy towards more tactical and diversified approaches. While artificial intelligence remains an important growth driver, global policy divergence is creating broader opportunities across regions and sectors. The bank pointed to defensive sectors such as global healthcare and cyclical stocks in Europe as attractive diversification options. Healthcare, in particular, is seen as undervalued, trading at a significant discount to global equities while delivering stronger-than-expected earnings growth and increased merger and acquisition activity.

On currencies, the report expects the US dollar to weaken due to slower growth, lower interest rates, and persistent trade and debt imbalances. Safe-haven alternatives such as the Swiss franc and Singapore dollar are expected to benefit. Precious metals, supported by central bank buying, remain attractive but volatile, prompting recommendations for tactical hedging and buying on price weakness. Overall, Julius Baer emphasised active rebalancing and global diversification to navigate a more uncertain investment landscape.

Investing Updates: What to Expect in the Week Ahead (PCE, and Earnings from Netflix, Intel)

Source:

https://www.moomoo.com/news/post/64196559/what-to-expect-in-the-week-ahead-pce-and-earnings?futusource=news_hotnews_list&client_hour_clock=24&main_broker=WwoJMTAwOApdCg==&my_cid=103096561&sg_cid=103096561&skintype=3&us_cid=103096561&level=2&global_content=%7B%22promote_content%22:%22mm:post:64196559%22,%22invite%22:103096561%7D&data_ticket=1768783511139881&utm_medium=futu_niuniu_share&utm_content=web_share&utm_campaign=news&utm_term=64196559

ChatGPT:

The week ahead shifts market focus sharply toward US policy developments and key economic data, alongside a busy earnings slate led by Netflix and Intel. With Producer Price Index data missing, Thursday’s Core PCE deflator becomes the most critical macro release, filling a data gap and serving as the Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation gauge. Markets are also closely watching corporate outlooks for reactions to President Trump’s proposed policies, including credit card interest rate caps and potential investment mandates in Venezuela.

US markets are closed on Monday for Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Earnings season effectively begins Tuesday, with Netflix in the spotlight. While Q4 results are expected to be solid, driven by popular content, investor attention is firmly on 2026 guidance. A roughly 13% revenue increase is anticipated, and any shortfall could revive concerns about long-term growth. Housing giant D.R. Horton is expected to report its sixth straight quarter of declining adjusted EPS, reflecting affordability pressures, while United Airlines is projected to see a third consecutive earnings decline due to rising labor costs.

Wednesday brings Johnson & Johnson’s results, with updates expected on medical technology momentum and the impact of government drug pricing agreements. Thursday is the busiest day: Intel may slightly outperform expectations despite an expected sales decline, but must show progress in regaining market share with new processors. GE Aerospace is likely to report slower EPS growth as margins remain pressured by low-profit engine deliveries.

On the macro front, updated Q3 GDP is expected to show strong 4.4% growth, jobless claims should remain modest, and Core PCE inflation is forecast at 2.9%, a key input for rate-cut expectations. Friday features SLB, with attention on its Venezuela exposure, alongside US Services and Manufacturing PMIs.

Market-wise, mega-cap tech weighed on major indices last week, while small caps rallied. Semiconductors stood out, led by strong gains in AMD and Intel, whereas Tesla lagged amid delivery concerns and EV competition.

Comments:

Another week of interesting earnings. 

What will Trump do this week? 😆

Investing Updates: Government close to finalising low-cost retirement investment scheme details: Tan See Leng

Source:

https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/politics/government-close-to-finalising-low-cost-retirement-investment-scheme-details-tan-see-leng

ChatGPT:

The Singapore Government is close to finalising details of the CPF Lifetime Retirement Investment Scheme (LRIS), a low-cost and simple retirement investment option first announced in 2016. Manpower Minister Tan See Leng told Parliament on Jan 14, 2026, that the Ministry of Manpower is in the “final stages” of studying the scheme, with updates to be provided once it is ready.

The LRIS is intended as an alternative to the existing CPF Investment Scheme (CPFIS), targeted at CPF members who wish to invest for retirement but lack the expertise, time, or confidence to actively manage their investments. It aims to balance risk and return while safeguarding retirement adequacy. Dr Tan was responding to queries from MPs who raised concerns that the prolonged delay may deprive members of opportunities to earn higher expected returns through market exposure.

Dr Tan stressed that the Government’s priority remains protecting retirement adequacy, noting that market timing and individual investment horizons matter. Investors who are forced to liquidate investments during downturns near retirement may suffer losses if they lack sufficient time to ride out market volatility. Hence, any LRIS product must be carefully designed.

The scheme is expected to adopt a “glide path” investment strategy, where younger members hold a higher proportion of equities for growth, gradually shifting towards bonds as they approach retirement to reduce risk. The product will likely include diversified global equities and bonds rather than being fully focused on Singapore equities.

Dr Tan also noted that CPF members who want higher returns already have access to low-cost CPFIS funds, which have delivered strong recent performance. Members may alternatively keep savings in CPF accounts to earn risk-free interest. While Dr Tan declined to commit to a specific 2026 launch timeline, he confirmed that the CPF Board is reviewing past recommendations, taking into account how markets have evolved since 2016.

Comments:

Interesting development.

Wonder how it can fit to many DIY investors' portfolio like me.

Investing Updates: What to Expect in the Week Ahead (CPI, Earnings Season Kicks Off)

Source:

https://www.moomoo.com/news/post/63865477/what-to-expect-in-the-week-ahead-cpi-earnings-season?level=1&data_ticket=1766969945699374

ChatGPT:

This week’s markets are poised for volatility as the U.S. Consumer Price Index (CPI) report and the start of the fourth-quarter earnings season take center stage. Tuesday’s CPI release is the marquee macro event and will be closely watched for clues on inflation’s direction and its implications for the Federal Reserve’s policy outlook in 2026. A cooler or hotter print than expected could meaningfully shift rate and equity expectations. (XT)

The earnings calendar begins in earnest with major U.S. banks reporting early results. On Tuesday before the bell, JPMorgan Chase and Delta Air Lines are due to report, with analysts anticipating year-over-year revenue and earnings growth for both. (Options Desk) Wednesday brings results from Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citigroup, all expected to show double-digit EPS growth, offering early insights into financial sector health. (Options Desk) On Thursday, Taiwan Semiconductor (TSM)—a key supplier to Nvidia and Apple—reports before the open, followed by Goldman Sachs and BlackRock, whose performance will help set the tone for broader tech and asset-management sentiment. (Options Desk)

Alongside earnings, other economic data include the Producer Price Index (PPI) and U.S. Retail Sales on Wednesday, and Initial Jobless Claims on Thursday, each adding context to economic momentum and inflation trends. (Options Desk)

Equity markets enter this busy week having rallied recently, with the Nasdaq and S&P 500 up over 1% last week and the Dow rising more than 2%, while active trade includes names like Nvidia, Intel, Apple, Amazon, and Palantir. Momentum in tech and defense software has been a notable driver of recent performance. (scanx.trade)

In summary, inflation data and earnings—particularly from banks and chipmakers—will be pivotal in shaping investor expectations and market direction in the early 2026 trading environment.

Comments:

Start of Earnings Season.

Let's go Bull 🐂

Investing Updates: What to Expect in the Week Ahead(Nonfarm Payrolls, Earnings from APLD)

Source:

https://www.moomoo.com/news/post/63542693/what-to-expect-in-the-week-ahead-nonfarm-payrolls-earnings?futusource=news_hotnews_list&client_hour_clock=24&main_broker=WwoJMTAwOApdCg==&my_cid=103096561&sg_cid=103096561&skintype=3&us_cid=103096561&level=2&global_content=%7B%22promote_content%22:%22mm:post:63542693%22,%22invite%22:103096561%7D&data_ticket=1766969945699374&utm_medium=futu_niuniu_share&utm_content=web_share&utm_campaign=news&utm_term=63542693

ChatGPT:

U.S. markets enter the first full trading week of 2026 facing a heavy slate of economic data and select corporate earnings, with the December nonfarm payrolls report on Friday expected to be the key driver of sentiment. Investors are watching closely for signals on whether the labour market is cooling enough to influence the Federal Reserve’s policy path.

The week begins on Monday with the ISM Manufacturing PMI. While manufacturing activity is still expected to remain in contraction territory below the 50 mark, the December reading may show modest improvement. Mixed regional Federal Reserve surveys suggest uneven demand, but better employment trends and slower supplier delivery times could offer some support.

Tuesday is quiet on the data front, before attention turns to Wednesday’s releases. Applied Digital (APLD) will report second-quarter earnings after the market close. The company recently announced plans to spin out its cloud business and pursue a business combination with EKSO to launch ChronoScale, developments that have put the stock firmly on investors’ radar. On the macro side, the ISM Services PMI is expected to edge lower in December, reflecting softer demand, though employment strength may limit the decline. The November JOLTS report is forecast to show job openings ticking up slightly to around 7.7 million, indicating labour demand remains relatively stable.

Thursday brings initial jobless claims, which are expected to rebound modestly after dipping below 200,000 during the Christmas week due to seasonal distortions.

Friday’s employment report will be the main event. Economists expect nonfarm payrolls to rise by about 57,000 jobs in December, down from November’s 64,000, while the unemployment rate is seen edging down to 4.5%.

Last week, U.S. equities ended lower, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq both falling more than 1 per cent. Tesla slid sharply after weak delivery figures, Sidus Space surged on a major defence contract, and Intel rallied on optimism around new server and processor technologies.

Comments:

Fresh year. Fresh Start.

Fresh Venezuela War? 😅

Staying calm and DCA as usual.

Data Updates: Singapore's economy grows 5.7% in Q4 2025, beating forecasts

Source:

https://www.asiaone.com/singapore/singapores-economy-grows-57-q4-2025-beating-forecasts

ChatGPT:

Singapore’s economy expanded by a robust 5.7 per cent year-on-year in the fourth quarter of 2025, beating market expectations and marking its fastest quarterly growth for the year, according to advance estimates released by the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) on Jan 2. This was also stronger than the 5.0 per cent growth recorded in the same period a year earlier. For the full year, gross domestic product grew by 4.8 per cent, exceeding both the 4.4 per cent expansion in 2024 and the official forecast of “around 4 per cent” that had been upgraded in November.

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong had earlier disclosed the full-year growth figure in his New Year’s Day message, describing the performance as “stronger-than-expected growth”. However, he cautioned that maintaining such momentum would be difficult, citing persistent global challenges including fractured trade relations and geopolitical tensions that are likely to remain long-term features of the global landscape.

Looking ahead, MTI expects Singapore’s economy to grow between one and three per cent in 2026. The ministry warned that slowing growth in major economies could moderate export demand across Southeast Asia, posing headwinds for trade-dependent economies like Singapore.

The manufacturing sector was a key driver of the strong fourth-quarter performance, surging 15 per cent year-on-year, a sharp acceleration from the 4.9 per cent growth recorded in the previous quarter. This was largely driven by significant output expansions in the biomedical manufacturing and electronics clusters. Pharmaceutical production underpinned biomedical growth, while electronics benefited from sustained global demand for AI-related semiconductors, servers and related equipment.

The construction sector also expanded, growing 4.2 per cent year-on-year in the fourth quarter, though this represented a moderation from the 5.1 per cent growth seen previously. Meanwhile, all services-producing sectors recorded growth, with wholesale trade supported by strong sales of electronic components, telecommunications equipment and computer hardware amid the ongoing artificial intelligence boom.

Comments:

Huat Huat Singapore!

Investing Updates: What to Expect in the Week Ahead (FOMC Minutes, New Year's Day and Warren Buffett's Exit)

Source:

https://www.moomoo.com/news/post/63357635/what-to-expect-in-the-week-ahead-fomc-minutes-new?level=1&data_ticket=1766969945699374

ChatGPT:

U.S. markets head into the final days of 2025 on a strong footing, with the S&P 500 on track for an eighth straight monthly gain, its longest streak since 2017–2018. While technology stocks powered much of the multi-year rally, recent performance suggests a rotation toward financials, healthcare, transports and small caps. Trading conditions may be thin as markets close for New Year’s Day and investors digest delayed economic releases following the earlier federal shutdown.

The key macro event this week is the release of the Federal Reserve’s minutes from its December 9–10 meeting. At that meeting, the Fed delivered a third consecutive 25-basis-point rate cut, bringing the policy rate to 3.50%–3.75%. Policymakers modestly upgraded growth forecasts while trimming inflation expectations, reinforcing expectations of a gradual easing cycle. Markets will scrutinise the minutes for clues on the pace of future cuts, especially ahead of President Trump’s nomination of a new Fed chair to replace Jerome Powell.

Economic data highlights include U.S. pending home sales for November, jobless claims, mortgage rate updates, and the final S&P Global Manufacturing PMI. Housing data has been relatively resilient, helped by improving affordability and easing recession fears, while labour market indicators point to a gradual cooling rather than a sharp slowdown. Manufacturing activity, however, has softened, signalling slower momentum heading into 2026.

Beyond macro data, a major corporate milestone looms: Warren Buffett is set to step down as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, with Greg Abel taking over leadership. Meanwhile, attention remains on heavily traded stocks such as Nvidia, Tesla and Apple, as well as Rocket Lab, which has seen sharp post-holiday volatility following recent contract wins and record highs.

Investing Updates: Commentary: Singapore’s stock market is waking up and the hard part starts now

Source:

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/commentary/singapore-stock-market-sgx-review-group-5709421

ChatGPT:

Singapore’s long-sleepy stock market has shown clear signs of revival in 2025, with the Straits Times Index reaching multiple record highs. The rally has been driven mainly by banks and blue-chip stocks, while mid-cap companies have also begun to attract stronger interest. However, the key question is whether this momentum represents a sustainable resurgence or merely a short-term rebound.

A major boost to sentiment has come from the Monetary Authority of Singapore’s S$5 billion Equity Market Development Programme (EQDP), designed to inject liquidity into small and mid-cap stocks. Nearly S$4 billion has already been allocated to fund managers, and the launch of the iEdge Singapore Next 50 Index has provided greater visibility to mid-cap companies. Increased confidence has also translated into a strong IPO year: Singapore led Southeast Asia in IPO proceeds, raising about US$1.6 billion across nine deals, largely driven by two major REIT listings.

Despite these positives, liquidity remains the critical challenge. Sustained trading volume is essential to attract IPOs and support higher valuations. Market turnover has recently declined, raising concerns that EQDP funds alone may be insufficient. Compared with regional peers such as Malaysia, Thailand and Australia, Singapore still lacks a steady flow of domestic institutional funds.

The commentary argues that more initiatives are needed. These include expanding broker custodial services, encouraging margin financing, aligning practices with global norms, and attracting Singapore-based companies listed overseas to return home. The creation of mid-cap ETFs could also provide stable investment vehicles, though this depends on sufficient underlying liquidity.

Ultimately, while Singapore’s market has revived, revival is not reinvention. The next phase requires a multi-pronged strategy to deepen liquidity, diversify sectors, and convince both institutional and retail investors that a rejuvenated SGX offers long-term value.

Investing Updates: Has Singapore’s stablecoin surge peaked, or is 2026 just the start?

Source:

https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/wealth/crypto-alternative-assets/has-singapores-stablecoin-surge-peaked-or-2026-just-start

ChatGPT:

Stablecoins surged globally in 2025, and Singapore has emerged as a leading hub rather than a late adopter. Singapore dollar-backed stablecoin XSGD grew to about S$17 million in market capitalisation by December, up from S$10 million a year earlier. While modest in absolute terms, this growth reflects strong institutional confidence driven by regulatory clarity rather than retail speculation.

A key advantage is Singapore’s early regulatory groundwork. The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) finalised its Single-Currency Stablecoin (SCS) framework in 2023, ahead of similar moves in the US such as the Genius Act. This proactive stance has positioned Singapore as a global benchmark for crypto regulation, earning top ranking for regulatory clarity in Bybit’s 2025 World Crypto Rankings. Industry leaders from Coinbase, Crypto.com and Ryder credit MAS for evolving regulation without chasing hype, attracting serious builders and institutional players.

Globally, stablecoins are a US$300 billion market today and could reach US$4 trillion by 2030 in a bullish scenario. Singapore aims not to dominate issuance, but to become Asia’s most trusted institutional hub for compliant stablecoins. Initiatives such as Project Orchid and the newly announced BLOOM framework signal a shift from experimentation toward real-world settlement using tokenised bank liabilities and regulated stablecoins. Industry leaders expect 2026 to see broader commercial deployment across banks, asset managers and payment systems.

However, challenges remain. Over 98% of global stablecoin value is still US dollar-denominated, creating concentration risk and dependence on US monetary policy. Developing liquid, trusted local-currency alternatives like XSGD will take time. Fragmentation is another concern, with users potentially holding multiple stablecoins; this may be solved through “invisible” software that abstracts complexity.

Looking ahead, growth is likely to come from institutional use cases such as tokenised payables, supply-chain finance and cross-border settlement. The ultimate sign of success in 2026 will be when users benefit from faster, cheaper transactions—without even realising they are using stablecoins at all.

Investing Updates: What to Expect in the Week Ahead (Christmas Holiday, Q3 GDP Growth and CB Consumer Confidence)

Source:

https://www.moomoo.com/news/post/63132154/what-to-expect-in-the-week-ahead-christmas-holiday-q3?level=1&data_ticket=1766364870315733

ChatGPT:

U.S. markets head into Christmas week on a relatively calm note, following a volatile but ultimately steady stretch in equities. Stocks rose on Friday, supported by gains in Oracle as enthusiasm around artificial intelligence rebounded after recent turbulence. With the Q3 earnings season concluded and the holiday period beginning, trading activity is expected to be lighter, while attention shifts toward macroeconomic signals and longer-term policy considerations, including speculation around the next Federal Reserve chair.

Christmas week is typically quiet for U.S. markets. Stock exchanges will close early on December 24 and remain shut on December 25. The key economic focus falls on Tuesday, December 23, when several important data releases are scheduled. These include durable goods orders, the second estimate of third-quarter GDP growth, and the Conference Board’s consumer confidence reading. Economists expect the GDP revision to confirm a solid 3.2% annualized expansion in Q3, reinforcing the view that the U.S. economy remains resilient. Durable goods orders for October are forecast to rise 0.4%, offering insight into business investment trends, while consumer confidence will shed light on household sentiment heading into year-end.

Market performance last week was largely mixed. The Dow Jones Industrial Average declined 0.67%, while the S&P 500 edged up 0.1% and the Nasdaq Composite gained 0.48%. Trading activity was concentrated in well-known names such as Nvidia, Tesla, Oracle, Broadcom, Palantir, Micron Technology, Nike, and Rocket Lab.

Among notable movers, Rocket Lab surged nearly 15% after securing its largest contract to date, potentially worth $805 million, boosting optimism around its growth prospects. Micron jumped over 10% on strong revenue guidance, easing concerns about AI-related volatility. In contrast, Nike was one of the week’s worst performers, plunging nearly 13% amid weaker China sales and margin pressure from higher tariffs.

Investing Updates: What to Expect in the Week Ahead (Earnings from Oracle, Broadcom and Adobe; FOMC Rate Decision)

Source:

https://www.moomoo.com/news/post/62525703/what-to-expect-in-the-week-ahead-earnings-from-oracle?level=2&data_ticket=1764549203534962

ChatGPT:

The upcoming week is dominated by the Federal Reserve, with Wednesday’s FOMC rate decision taking center stage as markets gauge the next phase of U.S. monetary policy. U.S. equities ended last week higher, supported by resilient large-cap tech and optimism around potential rate cuts, despite mixed labor signals.

A dense lineup of corporate earnings accompanies the macro focus. Key reporters include Oracle, Adobe, Broadcom, Costco, Lululemon, AutoZone, GameStop, AeroVironment, Chewy, Synopsys, and Ciena — offering insights across cloud computing, AI hardware, retail demand, and semiconductor design cycles.

Tuesday features earnings from AutoZone, GameStop, and AeroVironment, shedding light on consumer auto trends, meme-stock retail strategy, and defense-drone momentum. Macro releases include the NFIB Business Optimism Index and the long-delayed JOLTS report, both influential for rate expectations.

Wednesday is the biggest inflection point. Chewy, Oracle, Adobe, and Synopsys headline earnings with heavy emphasis on cloud adoption, AI-driven software, and chip-design demand. Macro catalysts include the Employment Cost Index, the federal budget statement, and most importantly, the FOMC decision (forecast: 3.75%) followed by Chair Powell’s press conference. Markets are primed for volatility, with any dovish signal likely to lift growth and tech sectors.

Thursday brings results from Ciena, Broadcom, Costco, and Lululemon. These will highlight trends in 5G infrastructure, AI accelerators, retail resilience, and global athleisure demand. Jobless claims and the U.S. trade deficit arrive the same morning, providing further context for labor tightness and currency pressures.

Friday lacks major earnings but includes speeches from Fed regional presidents and wholesale inventory data, rounding out a macro-heavy week.

Last week’s market heat list saw strong gains from CoreWeave and Oracle, while Netflix slid on acquisition concerns, underscoring shifting sentiment across tech leaders.

Investing Updates: Could Renting Out An HDB Flat To “Retire” Overseas Be The Singapore Dream For Some?

Source:

https://dollarsandsense.sg/could-renting-out-an-hdb-flat-to-retire-overseas-be-the-singapore-dream-for-some/

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Some Singaporeans seeking early financial freedom are exploring an unconventional FIRE strategy: renting out their HDB flat and “retiring” overseas through geoarbitrage. Instead of aggressively investing or maximising income, this approach turns their existing flat into a passive-income asset that funds a lower-cost lifestyle abroad. This is particularly appealing to couples without children.

The article models a typical scenario: a 35-year-old couple that bought a four-room HDB five years earlier and has just met the MOP. Their outstanding mortgage is about $200,000, costing $1,070 per month on a HDB loan. A Punggol four-room flat can rent for around $3,200 monthly. After deducting agent fees, maintenance and vacancy, net rental income is roughly $32,000 a year, or $2,666 per month. Combined with $100,000 invested in blue-chip stocks and REITs yielding 4% annually, the couple earns about $3,000 per month in passive income.

While this is insufficient for Singapore, it allows a comfortable lifestyle in lower-cost Southeast Asian cities. In Thailand (Chiang Mai, Hua Hin), a couple can live on $1,500–$2,000 monthly. Malaysia (Penang, Ipoh) offers good quality of life for $2,000–$2,500. Vietnam’s Da Nang or Ho Chi Minh City ranges $2,000–$2,500, while parts of Indonesia can be below $2,000.

However, the strategy comes with trade-offs. Renting out the flat leaves the couple without a home base in Singapore, making return trips expensive unless they can stay with family. Healthcare abroad may lack subsidies, and private insurance varies in coverage. Families with children face schooling challenges, and this geoarbitrage model only works in lower-cost countries. Higher-cost regions like Europe, Japan or Australia would require much greater assets.

Overall, renting out an HDB flat to “retire” overseas is possible for some, but it requires sacrifices, realistic budgeting, and acceptance of lifestyle constraints.

Investing Updates: What to Expect in the Week Ahead (Earnings from Zoom, Alibaba,Nio and Dell)

Source:

https://www.moomoo.com/news/post/61919750/what-to-expect-in-the-week-ahead-earnings-from-zoom?futusource=news_hotnews_list&client_hour_clock=24&main_broker=WwoJMTAwOApdCg==&my_cid=103096561&sg_cid=103096561&skintype=3&us_cid=103096561&level=2&global_content=%7B%22promote_content%22:%22mm:post:61919750%22,%22invite%22:103096561%7D&data_ticket=1763340434383708&utm_medium=futu_niuniu_share&utm_content=web_share&utm_campaign=news&utm_term=61919750

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The week ahead features a dense lineup of major earnings and key macro data, with markets still navigating elevated volatility. All three major U.S. indices remain negative for November, and the sudden cancellation of October CPI and GDP reports—due to the recent government shutdown—has left traders unusually “data-blind.” As a result, markets will rely heavily on PPI, PCE, jobless claims, retail sales, and high-frequency indicators to assess inflation and growth momentum.

Several high-profile companies are set to report. On Monday, Zoom will release Q3 FY2026 numbers, with expectations for modest revenue growth and steady margins as AI features and enterprise clients become increasingly important. Symbotic will also report, and investors will watch for new automation contracts and margin guidance.

Tuesday brings earnings from Alibaba, NIO, and Pony.ai. Alibaba is under scrutiny for cloud growth, international commerce, and capital spending, while NIO faces pressure to clarify delivery trends, profitability plans, and pricing strategy amid China’s EV price war. Pony.ai is expected to update its robotaxi commercialisation progress. After the close, Dell, Zscaler, and HP Inc. will report, providing insight into AI server demand, cybersecurity budgets, and corporate hardware spending.

On Wednesday, Deere and Li Auto report, serving as indicators of global industrial capex and China’s EV competitiveness. Key data releases include durable goods orders, the PCE inflation index, and FOMC minutes, which may offer clues on potential December rate cuts.

Markets closed last week lower, with notable stock moves: Alphabet surged on its Gemini 3 AI release, while Nvidia, AMD, and Circle fell on profit-taking, valuation concerns, and interest-rate sensitivity despite strong underlying fundamentals.

Investing Updates: More than 6 in 10 retail investors in Singapore hold crypto, but allocation size conservative: survey

Source:

https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/companies-markets/more-6-10-retail-investors-singapore-hold-crypto-allocation-size-conservative-survey

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A new joint study by SingSaver and Coinbase shows that 61% of retail investors in Singapore hold cryptocurrency, but their exposure remains cautious. Most crypto holders keep allocations small: 74% allocate less than 10% of their total assets to crypto, while only 8% invest more than 25%. The median investor portfolio is between S$3,000 and S$5,000, and the average holder owns about three cryptocurrencies, with diversification common but still concentrated in major coins.

The report describes investors as “ambitious but cautious,” noting that over half identify as HODLers, signalling long-term conviction in crypto’s value. Meanwhile, 20% trade actively and 22% trade occasionally. This aligns with diverging perceptions of crypto: 44% view it as an asset, while 29% see it as a speculative tool, highlighting crypto’s dual identity in the market.

Crypto adoption is driven heavily by younger investors. Over 70% of holders are aged 18 to 34, with equal representation between the 18–25 and 25–34 age groups. Only 12% of holders are above 45, reinforcing crypto’s appeal among digital-native demographics.

Education remains a challenge. Social media is the dominant source of crypto learning, cited by 62% of respondents, followed by friends, family, and online media or exchange blogs. However, volatility (68%) and knowledge gaps (57%) remain key barriers preventing wider adoption.

Despite these concerns, interest persists: 27% of non-holders plan to invest in the next year, while 33% are undecided. The report concludes that future growth in Singapore’s crypto market depends on improved education, transparency, security, and reliability. Clarifying crypto’s role—whether investment or speculation—will be essential for long-term integration into the financial landscape.

Investing Updates: Are Singaporeans Moving Away From Property As A Retirement Strategy?

Source:

https://stackedhomes.com/are-singaporeans-moving-away-from-property-as-a-retirement-strategy/#sh.y9lnms

ChatGPT:

Polls claiming that Singaporeans are abandoning property as a retirement strategy are misleading because they often reflect the agenda of the organisations funding them rather than true public sentiment. A Manulife survey suggests only 35% now view property as a key retirement tool—down from 65% previously—while ERA and PropNex polls show strong continued preference for real estate, with many still seeing property as a retirement nest egg. These contradictions arise largely from how survey questions are framed, how samples are selected, and where respondents are sourced.

Younger Singaporeans responding to online surveys—often priced out of the market or unable to buy—naturally show less enthusiasm for property investing. Older respondents in offline polls, who benefited from past appreciation or already own homes, tend to be more positive. Question phrasing also heavily influences responses: highlighting costs pushes people away from property, while emphasising tangibility steers them toward it.

Insurers have incentives to downplay property’s importance in retirement planning because money committed to real estate is money not invested in policies like annuities or ILPs. Conversely, property agencies have reasons to promote real estate despite rising prices, cooling measures, and higher capital requirements.

Ultimately, these surveys reveal more about the motivations of insurers and property agencies than about Singaporeans’ genuine retirement preferences. Many “polls” function as disguised marketing, and the author argues they may as well be straightforward ads. Ads can be repeated, while publications rarely run the same poll editorial twice, making these survey-based promotions less efficient and no more persuasive.

The article then continues with broader property news, such as sales rankings, price trends, and notable gainers and losers in the market.